Nathan Richardson’s donation to the Relay for Life of Whidbey and cancer survivors took over a year to grow. But he again donated 18 inches of his hair at Relay for Life on June 2.

He chose to donate during this event because his grandmother, a cancer survivor, gave him the inspiration to grow his hair for others. He has been a participant in Relay for four years.

As a 13-year-old boy, it has been an exceptionally tough challenge for Richardson to grow his hair so long since he is sometimes mistaken as a female, he said. However, he endured the misconception to positively affect the life of someone fighting cancer.

He wanted to grow as much hair as possible so he has not had any hair cut in over a year. Richardson chose to have his hair cut this year since he will attend Oak Harbor High School in September and has requested to join NJROTC.

Pantene and the American Cancer Society have partnered together to distribute wigs to cancer patients across the country.